Southland Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade ('13-23)

Southland Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Aug 28, 2023

Nov 26, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks guard Kevon Harris (1) and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks forward Charlie Daniels (12) react after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Lumberjacks defeated Duke 85-83 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 26

Southland Basketball New Orleans Privateers Guard Derek St. Hilaire Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Derek St. Hilaire

A 6’0 guard from Atlanta, St. Hilaire started his collegiate journey at Gordon State Community College. After a great season at the junior college, he’d transfer to Jacksonville State, spending two years playing in the OVC. He came into the Southland for this final two seasons of eligibility, taking on a significant role at New Orleans under coach Mark Slessinger starting in 2020.

Though still not a full-time starter as a senior, he took a big step forward from his time at Jacksonville State, averaging 12.3 points a game, hitting 40% of his 3-pointers. In his final season, he averaged 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, helping to lead the Privateers to a 2nd place finish in the Southland. He had a career-high 34 points in a game against Houston Baptist, was an outstanding scorer all year long, and truly found his place in that backcourt.

That final season was where everything came together, and St. Hilaire was named First Team All-Southland after leading the conference in points and doing great work at New Orleans. He was one of the league’s best offensive players while also finishing among the league’s steals leaders. His work was exceptionally important as the Privateers won 18 games in that final season, a year where he finished 17th in the nation in points per game.